Why Garba Is Played In Navratri? Know The History Behind It

Doesn’t your heart start to dance alone with your feet when you hear about Garba? Well, it’s the most awaited festival, and all the devotees of Maa Durga wait throughout the year to witness the most auspicious festival of Navratri. It’s that time of the year when all the devotees around the world dance their hearts out. However, for people who are aware of what Garba is.

Garba is a traditional folk dance where all the people gather together to dance and pay gratitude to the nine avatars of Maa Durga. So, delve into the festive mood as you read about the folk dance Garba. 

What is Garba?

Garba is a traditional Gujarati folk dance where all the community gather together to perform the Garba dance in front of Maa Durga. Also, all the people in India are filled with spirit and energy to dance during the nine days of the festival to dedicate themselves to the Goddess Shakti. Moreover, Garba is a dance that celebrates females, fertility, and mother deities.

Also, Garba is referred to by some other names, such as Garbi or Garbha and is performed in a huge circle around a big lamp or an idol of Shakti. However, Garba means “womb” and “little earthen lanterns.”

What is the History Behind Playing Garba?

We are all familiar with the traditional dance of Garba and are fascinated by its style. But have you ever tried to find out how this dance form came into existence? Well, let us tell you! Garba is one of the most auspicious and famous dance forms in the state of Gujarat, and thus, it originated there.

Victory Of Goddess Durga

People started dancing to the beats of Garba as a way to celebrate the victory of Goddess Durga. However, if we have to talk about the origin of the word Garba, it means womb. This dance form has been practised since ancient times and is still performed during the nine-day festival of Navaratri.

Furthermore, during the nine-day celebration of the Navaratri festival, all the devotees get dressed up in colourful costumes filled with vibrant energy to dance to the beats of Garba.

All people of any age group can participate in the cultural dance form because it’s not a competition but a way to offer gratitude and seek Maa Shakti’s blessings. So, that was all about the history of the garba dance that has been followed until now. 

Significance Of Playing Garba During Navratri 

We assume that a question might have appeared in your head about why Garba is especially played during Navratri and not any other festival. Well, let’s clear this thing for you. All the devotees perform Garba during the festival of Navratri because it’s believed that this is the best way to seek blessings from Maa Durga, and it’s also a way to welcome Maa Shakti after her victory for good over evil.

Moreover, it’s also stated that Garba represents the process of life and death and is a way to pay tribute to the divine feminine energy. The dance is represented by its fast-paced, rhythmic motions and colourful outfits, making it a lively and energetic celebration of life.

Garba Means The Womb Of Women

However, as we have already mentioned, the word Garba represents the womb of women, which means women’s fertility. The festival of Navratri is also dedicated to Maa Durga, the feminine energy and divine. Moreover, the festival of Navatri is also devoted to the nine avatars of Maa Durga, which are Shailputri, Brahmcharini, Chandraghanta, Kushmanda, Skandmata, Katyayani, Kaalratri, Mahagauri, and Siddhidatri.

So, you’ll especially see women participating in the Garba who seek blessings from Maa Durga so they are blessed with her divine energy and power. Also, devotees performing Garba will be spiritually enlightened and lean towards spirituality. 

Also Read: Sharad Navratri 2024: Dates and Remedies

Traditional Costumes of Garba

When the festival arrives, all we can think of is costumes, right? Festivals are all about wearing colourful costumes and getting decked up well. Likewise, Garba, being a part of the most auspicious festival, Navratri, also has some specific costumes worn while performing the traditional folk dance.

All the men and women performing Garba on the Navratri night get dressed up in traditional Gujarati colourful costumes, which are well designed with vibrant accessories. 

1. Costume for Women 

The costumes of Women on Garba night are known as Chaniya Choli. It is basically a three-piece costume decorated with beautiful and colourful beads and mirrors. Moreover, there is a blouse called Choli and a long flared skirt known as ghagra, along with an embroidery Dupatta to cover the head.

Also, to enhance the look, womens wear heavy silver-plated jewellery, sparkling waist belts, maang tika, metal bracelets and jhumkas. As a form of makeup, they apply bold eyeliner or kajal and bindis. 

2. Costume for Men 

If we have to talk about the attire for a Garba night for Men, they wear a colourful round Kurta, a long shirt that falls below the knee to match the outfit with their partner during the dance performance. Moreover, the Kurta is matched with a Kafni Pajama, loose-fitting pants, and a turban or a scarf around the neck, matching the outfit. 

Moreover, the colours of the outfit are usually vibrant and eye-catching, such as red, orange, yellow, or green. However, the overall look is elegant and cultured, perfect for celebrating the festive occasion of Garba night. 

What is the Difference Between Dandiya and Garba? 

Many might confuse themselves with the difference between the Dandiya and the garba celebration. Read below to learn about the differences between Dandiya and Garba, so you do not mistake yourself. 

• The first difference between Dandiya and Garba dance form is that Garba is played with the sync of hands and feet, while Dandiya is performed using wooden sticks. 
• While performing Dandiya, you need to have an equal even number, while Gabra can have as many people without any restrictions. 
• The songs on which Garba is performed are based on the Goddess Durga and her nine avatars, while Dandiya is played with the musical beats of Krishna, which symbolises Krishna playing Rasleela with his Radhas. 
• The folk dance of Garba symbolises the women’s fertility and is dedicated to Maa Durga as a sign of her feminine energy. On the other hand, Dandiya is performed or played among the two people as a representation of the battle between Devil and Demon. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) 

Also Read: Chaitra Navratri Festival: History and Religious Significance

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